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The best tire on the beach is the one that's aired down. I've been running stock all-season tires (225/65 R17) at 11 psi on the beaches of Cape Cod with no issues. You'll be fine with any tread pattern if you air down.

Yes, the RAV4 V6 is scary fast if you're into that.

Both the Forester and Outback are great vehicles that should meet your needs. Look into whether you can fit a full size spare inside either. I think it's possible in the Forester, but I'm not sure about the Outback. I'd also suggest looking at the 2006-2012 RAV4. I bought a 2010 RAV4 4wd V6...

Most of the Subaru automatic transmissions have an electronic clutch pack to engage the rear drive shaft (search for "duty c solenoid" on any Subaru forum). By default the rear driveshaft is mostly disengaged until the front wheels slip, just like the auto mode on the SX4. There is an empty...

I own a 1997 Subaru Impreza with the 4 speed automatic (190k) and a 2010 Toyota RAV4 with the 5 speed automatic (35k). Prior to the Subaru I never owned an automatic. It took a little getting used to, but I'm OK with the automatic now. It's less enjoyable on twisty country roads, but more...

Looks great! I've got a newer "atomic cockroach" version (2010 RAV4 V6 4wd) which I've been very happy with so far. Ground clearance is sometimes marginal, but I've always gotten where I need to go. The 2013+ models lost the V6 option, side hinged door, and the full size spare. It's too bad...

Yes, those are Yakima stackers with the anchor/arrowhead shape on the end. I have nothing but good things to say about them. There are a few steps to using the stackers properly. First, get the distance between the bars correct to support the boat in front of/behind the cockpit. This is the...

I've carried up to 6 whitewater kayaks or 4 seakayaks on my RAV4 with 58" crossbars and a set of stackers: When only carrying 1-2 seakayaks I use a set of Yakima saddles:

If you drive slowly with gentle steering/throttle/brake inputs (all of which prevent getting stuck and are safer for yourself, other people nearby, and the environment), you really don't need to worry about a tire coming off the rim or slipping at 10 psi. By using the "low and slow" technique...

Most of my off-road driving is in deep, very soft dune sand on Cape Cod. I reduce my tire pressure to 10 psi and have never gotten stuck in the sand with 225/65-17 all-season tires. "Low and slow" is the motto on the beach. Reduce your tire pressure and drive with a very light foot and you'll...

I emailed Firestone customer service about the rattling support plate. They sent me a replacement set of polymer (polyurethane?) disc supports to replace the steel ones free of charge. No more rattle. Still some plastic-on-metal rubbing sounds when the suspension flexes. I've heard those...

The new coil springs and air bags were installed yesterday. Clearance at the exhaust pipe under the rear diff increased by the advertised 30 mm (1.2 in). Front clearance increased by only about 20 mm (0.8 in). The ARB fit guide advertises these springs for the I4 engine and I have the V6, so...

Here's a link to the Coil-Rite air bags.

Here's a picture of the RAV4 on the beach near Race Point Light. The vehicle is fully loaded with 4 seakayaks and camping gear but no passengers. Monday was a wonderful day on the water. There were many playful seals and we even saw a minke whale come up to breathe about 50 m away.

Report from Memorial Day trip to Cape Cod National Seashore: The RAV4 fit 4 adults with camping gear and sea kayaks comfortably. 58" Yakima crossbars with stackers provided plenty of room for the boats on the roof. The rear end was sagging a bit when fully loaded and we dragged the exhaust...

Yes, the 16" rims do fit. This evening I fabricated a custom GPS mount just above the 4WD-Lock switch. The mount has a tab that secures behind left side of the trim piece. The right side slides straight in between the radio and the trim piece. The material is a scrap 2" x 8" piece of stainless...

Yes, I'm aware that the gas tank hangs lower than anything but the exhaust. The fragile fuel system bits are covered with a factory skid plate (improvement since 2008, I believe) but the body of the tank is still exposed. I already shared the skid plate design on RAV4World and several other...

The earlier RAV4.3 (up to 08?) had lots of fragile emissions control equipment exposed, but Toyota put in a metal skid plate to protect it in the later years. The tank itself is still vulnerable, though. When I put it up on the lift to install the new springs I'll take a look at how to install...

I recently purchased a 2010 Toyota RAV4 V6 4wd to replace my (t)rusty old 1999 4Runner. I know the RAV4 can't go everywhere the 4Runner could go, but I'm fairly sure the RAV4 can go everywhere the 4Runner did go. My use is mainly for paddling/skiing/camping trips on snow covered, rutted, and...

Very interested, especially in the rear diff (mine has rusted through and is leaking fluid). Any chance you can ship to New England? I sent you a PM with more details.